Watched this live yesterday evening in Bromsgrove. Really enjoyed it. I wasn't as taken with the narration as most people, but the music was fantastic so I didn't mind. Nancy Kerr and Rachael McShane stood out as performers. I knew "I once lived in service" from the singing of the Witches of Elswick, and thought it was okay but by no means a favourite. However, seen in context, it's emotional power struck home. The "Robber's Song", "Coachman of the Plymouth Mail" and the "Humane Turnkey" were three great up-tempo songs. The dark and empty streets of suburban Bromsgrove may have been left a bit bewildered last night by the sound of someone chanting: "Walk her round, my brave boys and roll down!" Guilty party: a cyclist rattling back to the station on an old bike.
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